Transforming the Indoor space at St. Peters C of E Primary, Harrogate.

St. Peter’s didn’t want just any library; they wanted a magical place that would ignite children’s imaginations and foster a lifelong love of reading.

Crafting the Elements

The centrepiece of the new primary school library is a stunning wooden story boat. This isn’t just any boat, but a beautifully crafted vessel designed to whisk young readers away on literary voyages. Picture this: a cosy nook shaped like a boat, where children can curl up with their favourite books, feeling as though they’re sailing through the seas of their imaginations. One child exclaimed, “I absolutely love our new library. The boat is great. It’s a lovely snug space to curl up and enjoy a book. It’s amazing, it even smells new.”

Adjacent to the story boat is our tree stump table, a marvel crafted from solid robinia. This table isn’t just a place to read and learn; it’s an interactive piece of art. The natural patterns of the wood spark curiosity, and its sturdy design ensures it will withstand years of enthusiastic use.

Bringing the Vision to Life

Creating the new primary school library was an iterative process, filled with brainstorming sessions, sketches, and countless cups of coffee. We worked closely with the school to ensure every detail was just right. From the height of the shelves to the placement of the boat, everything was designed with the children’s needs in mind.

The Grand Unveiling

The day we unveiled the new primary school library was nothing short of magical. The room buzzed with excitement as the children filed in, their eyes widening in awe at the sight of the boat and the tree stump table. We watched as they eagerly explored their new space, climbing into the boat and running their hands over the smooth wood of the table.

Feedback from the children was immediate and overwhelmingly positive. One child couldn’t contain their excitement, “I absolutely love our new library. The boat is great. It’s a lovely snug space to curl up and enjoy a book. It’s amazing, it even smells new.”

The headteacher’s reaction was equally gratifying. Seeing their vision realized in such a tangible way was incredibly rewarding. They remarked, “Reading from physical books in an inspiring environment is incredibly important to us all at St Peter’s. That’s why we are truly delighted to have been able to provide such a wonderful child-friendly and exciting space within our school.”

The Impact

Since the library’s opening, St. Peter’s has seen a noticeable increase in students’ enthusiasm for reading. Teachers have reported that children are more engaged during reading time, often asking to spend more time in the library. The story boat has become a favourite spot, with students often queuing up for a turn to read in it.

The tree stump table has also proven to be a hit, not just for reading, but for group activities as well. It has become a central hub in the library, fostering collaboration and creativity among the students.